We’re excited to welcome Benjamin Bender, Partner and Wealth Advisor at Carson

Wealth, as our new monthly contributor. Leading the firm’s Highlands Ranch office,

Benjamin has spent nearly 30 years helping business owners, individuals, and families

turn complex financial decisions into clear, actionable plans for building and protecting

wealth. Each month, he will share an article on a different financial topic, offering

insights, strategies, and practical guidance to help readers make informed decisions, stay ahead of change, and plan confidently for the future.

April is Financial Literacy Month: Elevate Your Financial Strategy

Financial literacy isn’t just about knowing the basics – it’s about making informed,

strategic decisions that help protect and grow your wealth over the long term.

Benjamin helps clients do just that. He specializes in portfolio and wealth management,

business retirement planning, and guidance in estate, tax, retirement, and risk planning,

always focusing on proactive strategies that help clients stay ahead of change.

Before joining Carson Wealth in 2019, Benjamin founded Bender Financial Services in

Highlands Ranch offers comprehensive financial planning and wealth management.

The firm transitioned to Carson Wealth through a strategic partnership, expanding its

reach and resources. Benjamin began his career with Edward Jones, where he

developed the client-first approach that continues to guide his practice today.

Benjamin graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri and is a member

of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honor society. He is a CERTIFIED

FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA),

serving on the board of the Denver Exit Planning Institute. As a fiduciary, he is legally

obligated to act in his clients’ best interests, providing objective, client-first guidance in

every recommendation.

Outside of work, Benjamin enjoys skiing, reading, and traveling. He lives in Highlands

Ranch with his wife, Molly, and their two children: Olivia, a student at Virginia Tech, and

Thomas is a middle schooler at Mountain Ridge.

A Tip from Benjamin for Financial Literacy Month:

Even experienced investors can benefit from taking a strategic view of their finances.

Reviewing tax-efficient strategies, assessing multigenerational wealth plans, and stress-testing portfolios against different market and life scenarios can uncover opportunities,

reduce risk, and strengthen long-term financial outcomes. Financial literacy isn’t just

knowing the numbers—it’s understanding the possibilities and preparing to take full

advantage of them.

About Carson Wealth

More than 50 years after our founding, Carson Wealth has grown into a nationally

recognized financial planning and wealth management company. Our group of

principals works closely with a seasoned, disciplined, and dedicated team of more than

100 professionals. Together, we are focused on serving clients through holistic financial

planning, disciplined investment strategies, and proactive personal service. Whether it’s

Your Money, Your Retirement, Your Freedom, Your Business, or Your Legacy, your

financial plan is built around your goals and vision. As your life and financial

circumstances evolve, we continuously refine your strategy to help ensure the best

possible outcomes.

Financial Planning: Live Your Life by Design, Not by Default

Our team of financial planning professionals help design plans that evaluate your

current situation by analyzing your assets, income, and expenditures to identify:

 The day-to-day: What assets do you need today?

 The big picture: What can you do to pursue your financial goals?

We provide regular reviews and updates, helping ensure your financial plan stays

current, dynamic, and aligned with your evolving goals.

Stroll magazine is not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Opinions expressed in the magazine

may not be representative of CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services are offered through

CWM, LLC, is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Carson Partners, a division of

CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

Carson Wealth

300 Plaza Drive

Suite 300

Highlands Ranch, CO 80129